Ark. County 4-Hers attend citizenship conference in Washington, D.C.

CWF is a citizenship program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth from across the country to attend at the National 4-H Conference Center

Bill Shrum

Britton Phillips, a member of the Arkansas County Razorbacks 4-H Club, and Lizzy Bronson and Erika Black, members of Prairie Angels 4-H Club, represented Arkansas County at Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) during the week of July 6-13 in Washington, D.C.

"These three girls were among the 43 other 4-Hers in Arkansas, who attended the conference," Alta Lockley, program director of Arkansas County 4-H, said.

Lockley said CWF is a citizenship program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth from across the country to attend at the National 4-H Conference Center.

"The program gives participants hands-on opportunities to learn and practice skills that promote 'Better Citizens Today, Better Leaders Tomorrow,'" Lockley said. "It enables them to learn by attending field trips, workshops, committees and social events."

Field trips included excursions to Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Capitol Hill and a night tour of the city with stops at the Lincoln and War memorials.

The main focus of CWF is Youth in Governance, and the participants learned how to take part in government on every level — local, state, and national — with activities throughout the week relating to youth citizenship and involvement.

Through participation in Citizenship Washington Focus, youth strengthen their communication, leadership and other life skills and understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders.

The participants also exchange ideas, practice respect, form friendships with youth from diverse backgrounds and experience hands-on learning while having fun in the nation's capitol city.

For more information on how you can become involved in 4-H as a youth member or an adult volunteer, call the Arkansas County Extension Service at (870) 946-3231 or (870) 673-2346.

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